After historic election, what newly elected women said about children and families

(Left to right) Rashida Tlaib, Kristi Noem and Donna Shalala were among the historic number of women elected across the political spectrum in 2018. Tlaib and Shalala were elected to the House of Representatives for Minnesota and Florida, respectively. Noem will serve as the first female governor of South Dakota.(Photo: Detroit Free Press, Argus Leader and AP)

This year, a historic number of women were elected across the political spectrum.

So far, 117 women have claimed victory across the country. That number will only grow as races that are too-close-to-call get decided in the coming days.

The influx of newly elected women, mostly Democrats, mean the upcoming 116th Congress will have a record number of female seat-holders. They’ll include the first Native American (Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland) and Muslim (Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar) women elected to the House of Representatives.

Women also gained ground as governors. Kristi Noem, a Republican, and Janet Mills, a Democrat, will be the first female governors of South Dakota and Maine, respectively.

The wave of women in office means more mothers, daughters, sisters and wives will have a say in the political discourse.

But before that happens in January, here’s a look at what some of the newly elected women said about families and children after winning their posts.

Deb Haaland's daughter introduced her before giving her victory speech, in which New Mexico's first Native American woman in Congress told single moms and struggling families, "I see you. I'm listening. I love you. We fight together. I will bring that fight to Congress." (Click link to watch video.)

Angie Craig, the first openly gay representative from Minnesota, said she'll never forget she works for families.

This campaign has been about listening to and showing up for the families of #MN02. I’m honored, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to represent our district. I will never forget where I come from and who I work for. Thank you! Now let’s get to work. #TeamAngie#MN02

Newly elected Lori Trahan praised her re-elected Massachusetts colleague Elizabeth Warren as a "fighter" for American families and women.

.@elizabethforma is a fighter for women, for working & middle class families, and for expanding the circle of economic opportunity for all. Her win last night sends a clear message that MA voters want someone in Washington who will stand up to this Administration and get to work.

Rashida Tlaib, Michigan's first Muslim woman in Congress, declared victory for public education and "our kids."

They were joined by the @MEAOnline, Michigan's largest teacher's union, whose members and leadership had the courage to back someone they know will fight for public education, our kids, and our hard-working teachers when few others would. I'm going to make our families proud!

Mikie Sherrill, former Navy pilot and mother of four, held her 6-year-old daughter, Marit, on her victory stage.

I pledge to everyone in #NJ11, that when I stand on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, raise my right hand and once again swear that oath to my country, I will also be swearing an oath to every resident of the 11th District pic.twitter.com/g6ctav8yt7

Kay Ivey, who has been serving as governor of Alabama since 2017 after her predecessor resigned amid a scandal, said she'd continue to help make her state a "wonderful place to...raise a family."

Alabama, I’m beyond grateful for your steadfast support & am humbled to serve as your 54th Governor! Together, with your help, we’ll make sure that Alabama continues to be a wonderful place to live, work & raise a family. pic.twitter.com/h1TY4euISl

Donna Shalala, who served as secretary of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush, vowed to give children a fair shot at higher education.

Until every child has a fair shot at a higher education, we’re not done. Until Medicare and Social Security are secure for every senior, we will not rest. Until this heartless administration is held accountable for their numerous injustices, we will not stop.